Is your Navitimer B01
the real deal?
The Breitling Navitimer B01 is the definitive pilot's chronograph, featuring the iconic circular slide rule bezel and Breitling's in-house B01 manufacture movement. With prices around $9,000-$10,000, the Navitimer has been one of the most counterfeited pilot's watches for decades.
How to authenticate a Navitimer B01
Slide Rule Bezel
Functional circular slide rule — the outer rotating bezel and inner fixed ring should allow actual aviation calculations. Both rings must interact properly with legible, precisely printed scale numbers.
Dial Complexity
Three sub-dials positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock with proper scaling and applied indices. The dial should exhibit exceptional printing quality with sharp, legible text and precise chronograph scales.
Movement
In-house B01 caliber — a column-wheel chronograph with 70-hour power reserve, visible through the display caseback. The movement should show the distinctive Breitling rotor and proper finishing.
Crystal
Slightly domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. The crystal should provide exceptional clarity with minimal glare, allowing the complex dial to remain legible at all angles.
Case Back
Transparent caseback showing the B01 movement with Breitling-signed rotor. The sapphire crystal should be perfectly set, and the movement visible with its column-wheel chronograph mechanism and decorative finishing.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down crown with the winged B logo, and pump-style chronograph pushers. The crown should screw down securely and the pushers should have a crisp, precise feel thanks to the column-wheel mechanism.
Navitimer B01 counterfeit warning signs
Non-Functional Slide Rule
Non-functional slide rule bezel — the genuine Navitimer's outer bezel should rotate smoothly and the scale markings should align precisely with the inner ring to perform actual calculations.
Wrong Sub-Dial Layout
Sub-dials at wrong positions or a non-functional chronograph. The B01 places sub-dials precisely at 3, 6, and 9 — any deviation in position or non-functioning chronograph hands is a clear counterfeit indicator.
Wrong Movement Through Display Back
Wrong movement visible through the display caseback — the genuine B01 should show a column-wheel mechanism with Breitling's distinctive rotor design and proper finishing. Generic movements are an immediate red flag.
Incorrect Dial Font
Incorrect dial font — Breitling uses specific fonts for the slide rule scale numbers and dial text. Any deviation in typeface, weight, or spacing of the numerals indicates a counterfeit.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the slide rule bezel used for?
The circular slide rule (also called E6B computer) can calculate fuel consumption, airspeed, distance, climb/descent rates, and unit conversions. It was essential for pilots before digital computers. Both rings must rotate relative to each other.
What is the B01 movement?
The Breitling Manufacture Caliber B01 is an in-house column-wheel chronograph with 70-hour power reserve, introduced in 2009. It replaced the previously used Valjoux/ETA movements. The column-wheel provides smoother pusher feel.
What sizes is the Navitimer B01 available in?
The current Navitimer B01 comes in 41mm, 43mm, and 46mm. The 43mm is the most popular and closest to the original vintage proportions. All sizes use the same B01 movement.